McMinnville/Overton Retreat (Chattanooga, Brentwood, Athens: houses, unemployment rate, buyers)

[dave k]

I am interested in Overton Retreat, anyone know about it, It maybe more than I can afford. How about the surrounding area such as McMinnville?
I have property in Dunlap but may sell it to be in the mountains also interested in Signal Mountain area.
I live near Athens Ga, now and am looking for investment property or property to retire to when that time comes, comments are appreciated.

[Turkey Creek Tom]

Overton Retreat is a gated development on top of Harrison Ferry Mountain near McMinnville. Lots range from around 60 thousand to 160 thousand or better. Houses built in the 300,000 to 500,000 range. The buyers seem to be from places like Nashville, Brentwood, Nashville in Tennessee and states such as CA, FL, MA and OH.
There is a golf couse close by and the shopping area of McMinnville. Also you can take highway 8 to 111 and go into Dunlap and on the Chattanooga.

[JMT]

Originally Posted by dave k

I am interested in Overton Retreat, anyone know about it, It maybe more than I can afford. How about the surrounding area such as McMinnville?
I have property in Dunlap but may sell it to be in the mountains also interested in Signal Mountain area.
I live near Athens Ga, now and am looking for investment property or property to retire to when that time comes, comments are appreciated.

You might want to do a search here to see some of the comments people have made about McMinnville.

As for wanting to be in the mountains, why would you leave Dunlap for McMinnville? Dunlap is much more mountainous. If you're looking for investment property, I think Signal Mountain (or even Dunlap) would be more lucrative than McMinnville.

Warren County (McMinnville) has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state and has abysmal, almost zero, growth and some of the lowest incomes in the state. Check the city-data.com statistics, you'll see that the housing market in Warren County is anemic. Even Dunlap, which is far from wealthy, has a higher per capita income level than McMinnville.

If you're looking for an investment, Dunlap / Signal Mountain would undoubtedly be a better investment. I think being closer to Chattanooga is also a huge advantage for Dunlap and Signal Mountain.

[maryn]

Check Out Hawks Bluff In Spencer, 20 Miles From Dunlap. From What I Can See, It Has Been A Great Investment For Us As Phase I Buyers. We Are Building A Log Home Now, And Will Move Full Time In A Feew Years.

[mrs1885]

Don't discount McMinnville if you are looking to retire. I live about half an hour out of McMinnville and love it. We moved here from Florida with 4 of our 5 kids and the 5th has moved up since. The kids love the schools - they are amazing compared to Florida. And we lived in a very affluent area of Florida that had plenty of money being funneled into the school system. The difference is the teachers care.

If you are looking to retire, the people in the area are very very friendly. Our neighbors have just been awesome.

Another bonus - at least it was for us - the housing market hasn't been skyrocketing here like other areas have. We got a really big brick house on acreage for under $100k.

As for the 'talk' on here about the problems with McMinnville, there is a drug problem I've heard. I've not seen it personally. My husband and I both retired from law enforcement, so we're not naive. Are there drugs in McMinnville?? I'm sure there are - there are drugs everywhere. Have we seen a meth problem that people talk about? No.

I think like everything else, you need to check it out yourself. McMinnville has been perfect for us and our family. But there is no place in the world that's perfect for everyone.

[big bear]

Overton Retreat is a gated community that values conservation along with amazing architecture. With lots from $75,000 to $199,500, lots at Overton are in line with better communities. The difference between Overton and others are, 1300 acres that will contain only 220 home sites, 23 acre mountain spring fed lake, recreational center with fitness center, miles of trails, awarding winning timber frame pavilion on the lake, architectual design of homes, trees and natural areas have been preserved. They don't have mopeds, atv's and gas motors on the lake. They must be doing something right, 54 of the original 72 phase one lots have been sold in two years and phase two is opening with 32 more lots available. Lot sizes range from 1.5 to 6.2 acres, some have allready doubled in value. This community is on the platau, all lots have either sunrise bluff, sunset bluff, north bluff or lake views, all lots are very easy to build on, no lots require concrete piers or set on steep angles like other communities. Moderator cut: url removed. As far as McMInnville, it's a cute little town that has business and civic leaders bending over backwards to make this town better, a beautiful updated downtown, and warm friendley people.

[seenitallb4]

Nasty, dirty and borderline bankrupt, Mcminnville is.

[monicaa]

We are owners at Overton Retreat and have a long range view to the north. It is a beautiful, well kept community and we absolutely love it. We own lot 83 in the second phase and will be building a timber frame home next month. There are now two lakes which are wonderful, no motorized boats and lots of base fishing. Most people are weekenders from Nashville, but some of us will be permanent residents. If you can afford a lot it is worth it.